Washington D.C: Former U.S. President and Republican nominee Donald Trump is leaving the possibility of a second debate with Democratic candidate and current Vice President Kamala Harris open. This comes after Trump had initially declared any further one-on-one debates with Harris off the table. During a press conference in California, Trump addressed the debate issue, responding to a question from Fox News with, “I wouldn’t need anything. I could do it tomorrow.” Yet, in his usual dramatic fashion, Trump hinted that the likelihood of another debate depended on his mood, adding, “Everything was crooked in the second one.”
The ‘No Third Debate’ Stance
Trump’s comments mark a noticeable shift from his earlier definitive statement on Truth Social, where he proclaimed, “THERE WILL BE NO THIRD DEBATE!” In that post, Trump insisted he had already won the previous debate against Harris, held in Philadelphia, and had no interest in a rematch. He criticized Harris for skipping a prior Fox News debate and suggested she focus on her performance as vice president instead of debating him again.
Debate Polls and Public Perception
Trump’s hesitance for a second debate follows a fiery 90-minute debate in Philadelphia, which saw Harris emerge as the stronger candidate, according to a CNN poll. The poll revealed that 63% of viewers believed Harris outperformed Trump, while only 37% sided with the former president. Nevertheless, Trump dismissed these numbers, asserting he led in post-debate polls and performed exceptionally well.
Harris Campaign Fires Back
In the wake of Trump’s refusal, Harris’s campaign didn’t miss an opportunity to take aim. David Plouffe, Harris’s campaign chairman, mocked Trump on social media, accusing him of dodging a rematch and calling him “chicken.” Harris herself has expressed her belief that both candidates owe it to the American people to engage in further debates, emphasizing the importance of transparency ahead of the crucial election.
The Road to November: Will There Be Another Debate?
As the November election looms, questions remain about whether Trump will stick to his decision or reconsider. Another major news network has already offered to host a debate in October, setting the stage for another potential showdown. With polls showing a close race on critical issues like the economy and immigration, Trump’s reluctance to debate could play a significant role in shaping his campaign strategy moving forward.
